When a £300,000 luxury sedan becomes the smartest financial decision you’ll make this year
Picture this: You’re a successful business director looking at company car options. Your accountant mentions a Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7 Series hybrid. Sensible choices, right? But what if I told you that opting for a Bentley Flying Spur instead could actually save you thousands in taxes while delivering unmatched luxury? Sounds too good to be true? Welcome to the world of tax-efficient motoring.
The Hybrid Revolution That Changed Everything
The new Bentley Flying Spur has undergone a transformation that’s about far more than just performance figures. Gone are the days of choosing between a 6-liter W12, a 4-liter V8, or a 3-liter V6 hybrid. Bentley has simplified the lineup—everything is now V8 hybrid. But here’s where it gets interesting.
Power Meets Efficiency
This isn’t your typical eco-compromise. The entry-level Flying Spur pumps out 680 horsepower and 930 Newton-meters of torque. Want more? The Speed version delivers a staggering 782 horsepower and 1,000 Newton-meters. That’s more power than any Bentley saloon before it.
Real-world performance? The Speed version hits 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, covering the quarter-mile in 11.37 seconds. To put that in perspective, it’s actually quicker than the old 6-liter W12 model—both to 60 mph and through the quarter-mile.
The Tax Loophole That Makes Luxury Affordable
Here’s where things get really interesting. The hybrid system drops emissions to just 33 grams per kilometer of CO2. The old W12? Over 10 times that amount. For UK company car drivers on the highest tax rate, this difference is massive:
- Old W12 Flying Spur annual tax: Eye-watering
- New Hybrid Flying Spur annual tax: Significantly less (still substantial, but far more palatable)
This is tax avoidance, not evasion—perfectly legal and surprisingly sensible. When you’re comparing it to other executive hybrids, the Bentley suddenly becomes a viable option, not just an extravagant fantasy.
The Electric Side: More Than Just a Tax Dodge
The 22 kWh battery provides up to 47 miles of pure electric range. That’s enough for most daily commutes without burning a drop of fuel. And unlike some hybrids with wimpy electric motors, this one delivers 190 horsepower in EV mode alone.
In testing, the Flying Spur hit 60 mph in 13.8 seconds on electric power only, with the engine not kicking in until 86 mph. For city driving, you’re essentially piloting a silent, zero-emission luxury cruiser. The neighbors will never hear you leave for that early morning meeting.
Practicality Meets Opulence
Urban Warrior Credentials
You might assume a 5.3-meter luxury yacht on wheels would be a nightmare in town. Think again. Thanks to rear-axle steering, the turning circle is just 12.4 meters—better than many shorter vehicles. The visibility is surprisingly good, with a clear view of all four corners making threading through traffic easier than you’d expect.
The surround-view camera system and remote parking feature (controlled via smartphone app) mean you can squeeze into tight spots without the embarrassing door-scraping that plagues wide vehicles in standard parking bays.
The Acoustic Cocoon
Bentley fits acoustic glass throughout to create a sanctuary from the outside world. The difference is remarkable—testing showed significantly reduced noise intrusion compared to standard automotive glass. Inside, you’re isolated from the chaos of urban life while still commanding the road.
Design: £19,000 Paint and Purpose
The Flying Spur Speed features subtle but significant updates. Gray trim accents replace the chrome on standard models, matrix LED headlights that intelligently blank out sections to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers, and stunning paint options like the tested British Racing Green with yellow pinstripe (a cool £19,000 option).
The 22-inch wheels on the Speed model (versus 21-inch on standard cars) fill the arches perfectly, while maintaining ride comfort that belies their size. Every detail screams quality—except perhaps for the plastic grille (metal on a Rolls-Royce, for comparison) and the slightly awkwardly placed camera sensors.
Interior: Where Old Money Meets New Tech
Step inside and you’re immediately surrounded by craftsmanship. The Alcantara headlining, open-pore walnut trim (£6,000 extra), diamond-quilted leather, and metal paddle shifters all contribute to an atmosphere of refined luxury.
Technology That Doesn’t Overwhelm
The infotainment system strikes a perfect balance. The screen is sharp and responsive, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But crucially, Bentley retains physical buttons for climate control, heated seats, and other frequently-used functions. No hunting through menus while driving.
The digital instrument cluster mimics analog gauges with its metallic surrounds and classic design cues. You can switch between modern high-tech displays, traditional Bentley styling, or a completely clean look depending on your mood. (Though that rotating display costs £5,300.)
Sound That Moves You (Literally)
Upgrade to the Naim audio system and you get over 20 speakers delivering 2,200 watts. The party trick? Bass speakers built into the seats that vibrate, letting you physically feel the music. Just watch out for those speaker grilles—they’re sharp enough to file your nails.
The Back Seat: Where Deals Get Done
Rear passengers enjoy heated, ventilated, and massaging seats with multiple adjustments. The optional Wellness System (£3,600) constantly monitors your body temperature and makes micro-adjustments to heating and ventilation, while subtle seat movements prevent fatigue on long journeys.
Leg room is generous, headroom is adequate even with the panoramic sunroof, and the damping throughout is exquisite. Everything from the armrest to the storage compartments closes with that signature Bentley softness—slow, elegant, expensive.
The only limitation? The center seat is narrow and better suited as occasional use. For ultimate comfort, specify the two-seat rear configuration.
Performance: The Jekyll and Hyde Luxury Sedan
Comfort Mode: Floating on Air
In Bentley or Comfort mode with the suspension at its softest, the Flying Spur glides over broken British tarmac like it doesn’t exist. Road noise is minimal, wind noise non-existent. At 70 mph, it feels like 40. Passengers can work, relax, or conduct phone calls in perfect serenity.
Sport Mode: Unleashing the Beast
Switch to Sport mode, select manual gear changes via the quick dual-clutch gearbox, and suddenly this luxury limousine transforms into something that attacks corners with genuine enthusiasm. The torque vectoring on the rear axle, borrowed from the Porsche Panamera, helps rotate this 2.6-ton behemoth through bends with unexpected agility.
The Akrapovič sports exhaust (£10,200 option) provides a fruity V8 soundtrack that’s intoxicating without being antisocial. The braking performance is phenomenal—stopping from 100 mph in just 94 meters and from 60 mph in 34 meters, despite the substantial weight. Those 420mm front discs with 10-piston calipers earn their keep.
The Reality Check: Five Things That Aren’t Perfect
1. Boot Space Sacrifice: The hybrid system and batteries reduce boot capacity to 346 liters—less than a Volkswagen Polo. The old W12 offered 420 liters. You’ll fit six carry-on suitcases plus the charging cable, but this isn’t a grand tourer for luggage.
2. Trim Gaps and Polish Traps: Small gaps between trim and bodywork collect polish and detailing products. It’s nitpicking, but at this price point, Rolls-Royce does achieve slightly tighter tolerances.
3. Control Conflicts: The headrest adjustment button sits too close to the backrest controls, leading to accidental activations. The armrest position also interferes with cupholders—choose one or the other.
4. Reflective Dashboard: The open-pore walnut trim creates flickering reflections when driving past trees in sunlight. It’s like having a TV screen in your peripheral vision.
5. Wool Mat Fluff: The luxurious Stella McCartney wool floor mats shed like a new carpet. It’s the price of premium materials, but expect to vacuum frequently.
The Verdict: Smart Luxury for the Tax-Savvy
Starting price: £190,000 (Speed: £240,000)
As tested: £302,000 (with over £60,000 in options)
Fuel economy: Around 20 mpg (impressive for the performance)
Electric range: Up to 47 miles
Should you avoid it? Should you consider it? Should you shortlist it? Or should you just buy it?
For private buyers: This is a significant investment requiring deep pockets. Consider carefully whether the tax benefits apply to your situation.
For company directors: This could genuinely be one of the smartest decisions you make. The combination of dramatically reduced tax liability, genuine luxury, and incredible performance makes it a compelling alternative to “sensible” executive hybrids.
The Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid represents a rare automotive unicorn—a car that’s better in almost every way than its predecessor while being more affordable to run as a company vehicle. It’s quick enough to embarrass sports cars, comfortable enough to rival the finest limousines, efficient enough to satisfy accountants, and luxurious enough to make every journey special.
It’s not cheap. But it might just be cheaper than you think.
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Key Takeaways:
- Hybrid system slashes tax liability for UK company car drivers
- 782 hp in Speed trim—faster than the old W12
- 47-mile electric range for emissions-free commuting
- Surprisingly agile handling thanks to Porsche-derived tech
- Interior quality and ride comfort remain class-leading
- Boot space is compromised by battery placement
- Total ownership proposition makes it viable alternative to lesser exec hybrids
